Mehwish Hayat speaking her mind, yet again
Pulwama attack has drastically impacted the India-Pakistan relations by feeding the antagonistic forces. Everyday is just a reminder of how relationship between the neighbors just keeps deteriorating.
So, Amitabh Bachchan refused to play a Pakistani role in Resul Pookutty’s directorial debut movie to, what is being assumed, as a safety measure from right-wing Indian hardliners
Sources state that the role was under discussion for two years and initially the superstar was excited to play the character but the volatility of the Pakistan-India relations convinced the actor to turn down the role.
One can deduce that the post-Pulwama nationalism affected Bachchan’s decision who did not want to be labeled as ‘anti-national’.
#AmitabhBachan turns down role of ‘peace messenger’ between India-Pakistan
Read more: https://t.co/TyvXD6MB31#TheNews https://t.co/XZsfA6yMxE
— The News (@thenews_intl) April 11, 2019
Mehwish Hayat promptly responded to the news by stating that it was extremely disappointing to see such a great actor taking such a step
She said that movies have the ability to act as unifying links in critical times like these. She went on to state that if nationalism trumps morality and every other thing then Pakistanis might also want to ‘rethink’ peaceful dialogue with India.
If true, this is very disappointing. Movies have the power to build bridges especially when tensions are high. I guess that in the end nationalism trumps everything – I hope that we can also take heed before we gush about all things Bollywood in future.https://t.co/XqYQZjN53d
— MehwishHayat (@MehwishHayat) April 11, 2019
People appreciated Mehwish for speaking out
She is the best. Unlike all the bollywood chamchaas in lollywood
— Saira (@Sairadreamer03) April 11, 2019
Good take
— zaraa khan (@zaara_khans) April 11, 2019
Nice @MehwishHayat you are #Pakistans proud MashAllah👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Syed A Ahmed (@ABAhmedsy) April 11, 2019
They labeled Bachchan as a ‘smol’ man in an attempt to take a dig at Mr. Modi
Small men holding big names
— Rehan Memon (@mr_memon111) April 11, 2019
Smoll people of india
— BushRa♊ (@introvertistic1) April 11, 2019
People asserted that this has unveiled the ‘true’ face of Indian nationalism
The dark face of Indian racism..
— Wardah Effendi (@wardaheffendi) April 11, 2019
Shame on them real face of all the indian dhakhans.
— Abdul karim (@akarim426) April 11, 2019
Many pointed out that India does NOT appreciate peace in the region and is a supporter of war
India don't want to build bridges they hate us and they only want war
— mah_noor_bhatti (@mah_noor_bhatti) April 11, 2019
It was also lamented that Amitabh Bachchan is a nationalist who will promote Indian interests at all costs
To be fair, in times like these anyone in Mr. Bachchan’s position would want to play safe and not get beaten up by hyper-national goons, on either side.
He is true indian and nationalist. He is not like our singers who desperate to go india .
— Muhammad Waseem (@Muhamma67328823) April 11, 2019
People asserted that the actor did NOT want to invite any controversy
Sounds about right..he is AMITABH!..he does not need the controversy..
— Kashif Khan (@kashif_khan87) April 11, 2019
They also argued that celebrities are peace-makers and this action of Bachchan sahib has disappointed them
Artists are the peace creators. These types of actions from artistic community shows how mentally poor people we are. Life is to short too hate. Just do love and spread it.
— Zohair Abbas (@ZohairA53499708) April 11, 2019
While Mehwish Hayat rightly pointed out that the movies have the capability to bring people together but the kind of rhetoric we’ve been seeing out of Indian film industry, especially people like Kangana Ranaut and Ajay Devgn, makes one wonder how much do they really want peace. What are your thoughts on the issue? Let us know in the comments below.
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Cover image via: @mehwishhayatofficial / Instagram and asianage.com